Close upFemales watch the nestsWeighing for dietary purposesRegulating body temperatureClick thumbnail to enlargePhoto byAnita de VilliersPhoto byAnita de VilliersTea GardenCrocodile leather productsOne of the new croc damsThe new Information CentreCan be used for functions.Fuen

Rakwena Crocodile FarmFor a tour of the crocodile breeding pens, contact Sandra on 015-575-1425Crocodilus nilotikus (Nile Crocodile)Crocodile leather handbagsInfoMating:The male attracts the female by making under water sounds and giving off a musky aroma.The male mounts the female and wraps his tail around hers. Mating occurs under water.Nesting :Unlike some crocodiles, Nile crocodiles do not build nests but lay eggs in an excavation dug into the sand on the edge of a river or lake. The female guards the nest for the 3 months the eggs need to hatch.Eggs:The number of eggs depends on the size of the female but normal clutches range from 30 - 45 eggs. They are laid together once a year in October or November. On the farm the eggs are removed and placed, for better control, in an incubator. When about to hatch, baby crocodiles make a high pitched call and then crack the shell with a temporary "egg-tooth" on the tip of the snout.Sex determination:The temperature of incubation determines the sex of the crocodiles.Temperature between 26ºC and 30ºC produces mostly femalesand between 30ºC and 33ºC produces mostly males.About 5 meter longPhoto by courtesy ofAnita de Villiers* Pictures are protected bycopyright laws.At present we have around 15,000crocodiles on the farm.